Digital BW, The Print

<snip>
I thought the whole point of purchasing Archival
quality matting products
was because this won1t happen.  The glass is good for
preventing dust and
spills but does not provide an airtight environment...

Steve


Steve, 
Do you think prints can be displayed without the mats
deteriorating in a short time? I checked with a friend
of mine who has been framing for over thirty years and
has clients like Gallo Wine.  He says that in a museum
which very carefully controls humidity and
temperature, a mounted print without glazing of any
kind could last 30-50 years.  But, in an average home
because the environment is not carefully controlled,
you will experience damage in as little as two years
because of the humity and temperature variations, and
the dust we've all seen in the air at a slide show. 
For greatest logevity, he says, you should glaze and
before putting the whole thing together the acrylic or
glass should be siliconed and also the back of the
frame should have a acid free barrier paper which is
also siliconed.  That, he says, will not make the
frame absolutely airtight but it will prevent dust and
other contaminants from attacking any part of your art
work.  This sounds very reasonable to me.  What do you
think?  This framer does beautiful framing!  
Thanks for your imput.
Joe D